It’s just as well the Mini-Beast has slunk off back to the East, because the Chicken Game arrives in Wimbledon town centre on Saturday. Officially, this Pokemon Go!–style treasure trail is for children, but with free chocolate to collect via an app-based Easter hunt that is part real, part virtual, I can think of a few adults who will be having a go. Test yourself with fun challenges and quiz questions, you can play as many times as you like.
The chocolate cake sketch by former children’s laureate Michael Rosen is a national treasure, funny enough to make you hold your sides with laughter. So bless you, Polka Theatre, for turning it into a play. First previews begin on Saturday, 24 March, and the show continues until 13 May, for ages four and upwards. Tickets £13.30 (£10 concessions).
Of Mice And Men is rarely off the school English syllabus because the story is such a perfectly written tragedy. Brilliantly staged by Selladoor Productions, with a standout performance by Matthew Wynn as Lennie, Of Mice And Men runs at New Wimbledon Theatre all week. Not many things appeal to teenagers, but this achingly sad production should do the trick. Read my review if you need any more persuading.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=55&v=OCjEZPi1D-c
There are rave reviews in the national press for the Rose Theatre’s Easter kids’ show, which arrives in Kingston next Wednesday, 28 March. Once again they’ve teamed up with Curve, Leicester to do a Roald Dahl adaptation – this time it’s George’s Marvellous Medicine, and the vile grown up getting the treatment is George’s ghastly granny. The Stage gives it five stars and calls it “So glorious that you really don’t want it to end.” I’m taking four kids to see it and we’re all looking forward to it.
Wimbledon Community Orchestra is giving its Spring Concert on Sunday evening, with works by Berlioz, Smetana, Grieg and Copland. If you enjoy the evening and would like to join the orchestra, why not chat to one of the players after the show? They are recruiting instrumentalists at grade 4 and above. Free, with refreshments and a raffle, on March 25, 6.30pm, at St James Church, Martin Way, Morden.
About The Author
Jenny Booth
Jenny was a news journalist for The Times. An ex-teacher, mum, gardener and art lover, there’s nothing she doesn’t know about the local culture scene…